Sheikh Sidratul Muntaha

Nowadays, yoga is often associated with celebrities, influencers and fitness models who showcase yoga poses on social media. While they do popularise the concept of yoga, they only scratch the surface of its profound history. Its history is deeply rooted in ancient Indian philosophy. Yoga is a mental as well as spiritual practice that aims at the well-being of both our body and mind.

Today, the significance of yoga is recognised globally. It has been incorporated into academic curriculums across the world. Universities worldwide now offer programmes in yoga studies from undergraduate degrees to doctoral research programmes. These programmes reflect the depth, tradition, history and versatility of yoga. So, in the spirit of World Yoga Day on 21 June, let’s look at some of the top universities and the programmes they offer –

Undergraduate Programmes

1. S-VYASA University, India –

https://www.svyasa.edu.in/bachelor-of-science-in-yoga-therapy.php

Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA) in Bangalore is a university that combines scientific research and yogic wisdom. S-VYASA offers an environment of comprehensive learning with an Indian knowledge system which blends spiritual philosophy, therapeutic applications and modern wellness practices.

The BSc in Yoga Therapy is a four-year programme that is designed to create certified yoga therapists and instructors. This curriculum includes the Integrated Approach to Yoga Therapy (IAYT) which combines ancient yogic wisdom with contemporary scientific methods. The graduates are equipped to work in hospitals, wellness centres and educational institutions.

2. Naropa University, USA –

https://www.naropa.edu/programs/undergraduate-academics/yoga-degree

Napora University provides an undergrad programme in Yoga Studies and Mindfulness. The focus is on an education that combines eastern and western traditions. Napora was the first university in the U.S.A. to offer a bachelors degree in yoga.

The BA in Yoga Studies is a four-year programme that includes the history, philosophy and practices of yoga. Students engage in asanas, pranayama, meditation and Sanskrit studies. This programme provides a 1,000 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate. Graduates are well prepared for careers in teaching, wellness coaching and further academic pursuits.

Masters Programmes

3. SOAS University of London, UK –

https://www.soas.ac.uk/study/find-course/ma-yoga-studies

The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) is a leading institution that specialises in the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. The university is committed to interdisciplinary research and offers global cultural and philosophical knowledge

The MA in Yoga Studies explores the role of yoga in modern society and its intersections with issues like social justice, gender and commercialisation. Students study the historical roots of yoga and its connections with Buddhist and Jaina traditions. They develop a foundation in classical texts and critical methodologies as well.

4. Loyola Marymount University, USA

https://bellarmine.lmu.edu/yoga_ma

Based in Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is a pioneer in yoga education. It offers North America’s first Master of Arts in Yoga Studies. LMU combines academic excellence with spiritual development and provides a holistic learning environment.

The MA programme provides an in depth study of the philosophy, history and practices of yoga. Students learn from classical texts, Sanskrit and the contemporary applications of yoga. Graduates pursue diverse careers, including teaching, research and therapeutic practice.

Doctoral Programmes

5. Rabindranath Tagore University (RNTU), India

https://rntu.ac.in/courses/prog-phd-in-yoga

Located in Bhopal, RNTU is named after the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It fosters innovation and research in yoga disciplines.

The PhD in Yoga at RNTU is an intensive research programme focusing on the scientific, philosophical and therapeutic sides of yoga. Candidates explore the historical roots of yoga, its physiological effects and its role in wellness practices. Graduates are able to contribute to academics as well as healthcare.

6. Vivekananda Yoga University (VaYU), USA

VaYU launches Ph.D. (Yoga) program!

Situated in Los Angeles, VaYU is the worlds first yoga university outside India. The university is inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s vision and bridges eastern traditions with western academic frameworks.

VaYU’s PhD programme develops researchers in yoga philosophy and therapy. The graduates address conditions like cancer and neurological disorders. The curriculum is grounded in scientific methodology. The students come from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the evidence-based yoga research.

This International Yoga Day, it is quite clear how far yoga has come from its roots. It has now transformed into a contemporary scientific discipline. Everywhere yoga is now taught at all levels, from bachelors to masters and even doctoral programmes. There is an increasing global projection of scholars and practitioners being nurtured in the field of yoga and its interdisciplinary applications. Therefore, we should remember that yoga is no longer just about physical flexibility, but it is also about how far the mind and spirit can be extended.

Namaste!